Ongoing and planned port expansions are intensifying competition among operators, each striving to establish their port as the region’s key hub. As East Africa becomes increasingly integrated into global supply chains, the demand for efficient hub ports continues to grow.
Tanzania vs. Kenya: The Battle for Dominance
Tanzania’s port development efforts received a major boost with the European Union (EU) investing EUR 15 million in the Tanzania Trade and Transport Improvement Project, set to launch in 2025.
“This project unlocks the port’s full potential as a vital hub for regional and global trade, driving economic growth,” stated the European Union.
Significant progress has already been made in enhancing port efficiency. Vessel waiting times have plummeted by 85%, dropping from an average of 46 days in May 2024 to just seven days by September 2024, according to the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA).
As a result, shipping lines have removed a $1,000 peak season surcharge previously imposed due to delays, noted TPA Director General Plasduce Mbossa.
Container throughput has also surged, reaching 27,000 TEUs per month in 2024—far surpassing the previous peak of 15,000 TEUs.
For a deeper dive into East Africa’s port expansion and logistics landscape, read our exclusive feature in the Freight Features: East Africa edition, out this Friday, 28 February.
